We take great pride in our swim shorts being crafted entirely from recycled materials, earning them the esteemed GRS certification. But what does GRS signify?
GRS, or Global Recycled Standard, is a prestigious certification that outlines criteria for third-party verification of recycled content, as well as the chain of custody, social and environmental standards, and chemical limitations. This certification is managed by the Textile Exchange, a leading global non-profit dedicated to encouraging sustainable practices within the textile sector.
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices and transparency within the recycling industry. Its comprehensive approach aims to ensure the integrity and traceability of recycled materials through a product's entire supply chain. Here's a closer look at the key aspects of GRS certification and what it encompasses.
Key Aspects of GRS Certification
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Recycled Material Verification: GRS verifies that materials meet the ISO definition of "recycled," accepting both pre-consumer and post-consumer materials .
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Responsible Production Practices: The standard mandates strict social and environmental criteria for production sites, including prohibitions on harmful chemicals .
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Chain of Custody: GRS certification ensures the identity of recycled content is maintained from the source to the final product, thereby enhancing transparency and consumer trust .
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Third-party Certification: A professional certification body audits each stage of the supply chain, ensuring compliance with GRS standards .
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Labeling and Communication: Products meeting all GRS requirements may carry the RCS or GRS logo, facilitating informed purchasing decisions by consumers and brands alike .
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Stakeholder Engagement: The development and management of the GRS involve global collaboration among producers, suppliers, brands, and retailers .
Objectives and Scope
The GRS aims to:
- Align definitions of "recycled" across various applications.
- Track and trace recycled input materials.
- Enable consumers and brands to make informed decisions.
- Minimize the production's harmful impact on people and the environment.
- Assure that materials in the final product are indeed recycled and processed sustainably.
- Encourage innovation in addressing quality issues related to the use of recycled materials .
The standard covers a wide range of materials, including textiles, metals, plastics, and paper products. It is intended for products containing at least 20% recycled material, with each production stage, from recycling to final product manufacture, requiring certification .
Benefits and Global Reach
Certification under the GRS offers numerous benefits, including enhanced brand reputation, access to new markets, and compliance with regulatory requirements. It also supports a circular economy by encouraging the use of recycled materials and reducing waste. The GRS's global reach, with certifications available in numerous countries, underscores its significance in international trade and environmental sustainability .
Conclusion
The Global Recycled Standard certification is a cornerstone in the effort to make the global supply chain more sustainable and transparent. By setting rigorous criteria for the recycling process, responsible production, and product labeling, the GRS helps companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while providing consumers with trustworthy information about the products they purchase.
References
- Textile Exchange. "Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) + Global Recycled Standard (GRS)." Textile Exchange
- Control Union. "GRS - Global Recycled Standard." Control Union
- Intertek. "Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)." Intertek
- GCL International. "Global Recycled Standard(GRS)-Certification." GCL International
- NSF. "Global Recycled Standard." NSF
